Black Summoner: Volume 3

By Doufu Mayoi and Kurogin (DIGS)

As Kelvin, the battle junkie Summoner hailing from another world, continues his extraordinary exploits, Goddess Melfina finally returns to his side, finally having completed her artificial body. When she grants him her blessing, he gains the power to summon a Hero of his own...who wants to become his sister?! As Kelvin and his party grow stronger by the day, he receives a summons for his Rank S promotion exam. The contents of the exam involve saving an elven settlement from the threat of a terrible monster, but just how much is the militaristic nation of Trycen involved? The black-clad warrior and his allies smash through everything in their way as they dive full throttle into the third volume of this epic journey!

• Language: English
• Publisher: J-Novel Club
• Release date: Jan 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781718375529

Book preview

Chapter 1: New Family

The morning after our safe — if it could be called safe — return to Parth, my companions and I were enjoying a hearty breakfast together at our inn of choice, the Fairy’s Song.

It had been quite a while since we had last enjoyed Clare’s homemade cooking. The nostalgia helped to make the well-balanced spread of freshly baked bread, corn soup, salad, bacon, and eggs taste that much more delicious. Of course, the Japanese cuisine in Toraj had been a great delight, but Western-style cuisine was good too. It was nice that living in modern Japan had taught me to appreciate both in equal measure.

Kel-chan, I heard that the Queen of Toraj took a liking to you, said Clare with a warm smile as she brought over seconds of the corn soup for Sera. Look at you, barreling right down the highway to success!

News sure spreads fast. Who’d you hear it from? We just came back yesterday and she already knows?

Ange-chan is going around telling everyone she meets. Every adventurer in Parth must know by now! I guess she was just that happy about it!

Ange again, huh. She did the same thing back when I was promoted to Rank A. I mean, I’d honestly prefer not to draw so much attention to myself, but having a friend who’s so happy for me does warm my heart.

Just to set the record straight, I don’t have any intention of serving Toraj. Being an adventurer and doing whatever I want suits me much more.

"Is that so? Then again, it’s you we’re talking about. I’m sure whatever you decide to do will go well."

Now you’re just making too much of me, I laughed.

In fact, I had indeed been solicited by the Queen of Toraj, Tsubaki-sama, but I wasn’t remotely interested in taking her up on the offer.

By the way, what will we be doing today, Master? asked Efil.

Sera lifted her head from her food. Right, we haven’t talked about what we’ll be doing now that we’re back. So, what’re we thinking? How about hitting a dungeon?

I smiled wryly. We did just get home, so today will be a day off. I myself am going off to buy something after this.

Oh my, exclaimed Clare. What’s a Rank A adventurer like Kel-chan going to buy? Could it be another cute slave like our Efil-chan?

Another s— what are you saying, Clare? And "our Efil-chan"? Efil’s mine!

Is that true, Master?

A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do, Gerard chortled. I understand, my king.

What?! No! Don’t be carried along by the flow of this conversation, Efil! And Gerard, I’m thankful for your endless support, but please shut up for now. "I’m not going to buy a slave. I already have Efil, so why would I?"

Clare laughed. You two youngsters sure make me jealous.

Efil stayed silent and her expression remained unchanged, but her ears were slightly red and twitching about. Apparently, what I had said made her very happy.

"So then, what will you be buying, Kel-chan?"

Nothing much. Just a house.

I see, just a h— A HOUSE?!

Mhm, a house. My very own dream house!

There you go with your shocking announcements again. Do you have enough money?

"I am a Rank A adventurer, after all. I have more than enough."

Lately, pretty much all the quests that we’d been accepting were Rank A and Rank S subjugations. And the rewards for quests of those levels had one or two extra digits, thanks to which I’d actually met my desired budget.

The reason rewards rose sharply for quests that were ranked A or higher was the difficulty of those tasks rose just as sharply. Rank B monsters could be handled by most knight orders, although the fight would be far from easy. To defeat monsters stronger than that, however, the country in peril would have no choice but to activate its greatest fighting strength, which would normally be tucked away as a secret ace. From the point of view of a government, adding a few extra digits to their expenses to have a mere adventurer take on that burden instead was a bargain.

The point was, after Viktor, the Black Wind incident, and the defeat of the evil dragon in Toraj, I was practically swimming in cash. Almost all of it was currently residing within Clotho’s Storage, as it was far too much to lug around myself.

You were thinking of buying a house? Sera asked in surprise. It’s my first time hearing that!

Oh, right, you hadn’t joined us yet when we talked about it last. Efil, Gerard, do you two remember?

Gerard scratched his head. Uh...when was this again?

It was back when we had just reached Rank B. At the time, we were far short of how much we needed, so it was basically just a pie in the sky. Efil, we went around Parth picking out properties we liked, didn’t we? Though the idea sort of fizzled out after that.

I’m afraid I don’t remember it at all, my king.

Well, I can’t say I’m surprised. Gerard hadn’t seemed all that interested back then. He’s pretty much the type who’s satisfied as long as he has somewhere to sleep.

In any case, we’re back in Parth now, and we have more than enough money for a home this time, so I’m thinking of looking through those properties again.

Sera’s eyes lit up. I’m coming too! I want to see houses!

Please allow me to come along as well. As I remember, we had narrowed it down to three places last time.

Great. We’ll go to the realtor to see if those properties are still up for sale. What about you, Gerard?

Since everyone is going, I shall follow suit.

Okay, then. Let’s meet out front thirty minutes after breakfast.

It seems like it was only yesterday that you came to my inn as a newcomer, but here you are, about to buy a house and strike off on your own! Time really does fly. Tell me when you’ve decided on a place, Kel-chan. This time, we have to properly celebrate the start of a new stage of your life!

Thank you, Clare. I promise you’ll be the first to know when we’ve decided.

After finishing the remainder of our food, we split up to make our respective preparations before heading out.

◇ ◇ ◇

When we arrived at the realtor’s office, the staff member on duty stared at me. After a few seconds of silence, he promptly rushed into the back of the store, shouting, Booossssss! at the top of his lungs.

A middle-aged man — the store owner, presumably — came out a moment later and informed us that he would be handling our case himself. Every aspect of his service was performed with the utmost courtesy and care. Clearly, being a Rank A adventurer was a rather big deal.

Unfortunately, two of the three properties that Efil and I previously had our eyes on had already been purchased by others in the meantime, so the realtor took us to check out the remaining property in person.

Ahh, this one...

Indeed! You have a wonderful eye, Kelvin-sama. This is an estate that we recommend with great confidence.

My king, the good man called it a house, but...this is more of a mansion, is it not?

Well, it’s not too small. Good choice, Kelvin!

I’m glad to see that your companions have taken a liking to it as well, Kelvin-sama. If I may be allowed to brag a bit, this is the largest property that our humble business is currently handling.

Sera’s impression was...well, let’s chalk it up to her being a former princess. This last remaining estate was on the very high end of the kinds of residences available in the city of Parth. Just as Gerard said, it looked like the kind of place that would house a noble family.

The front gate has been unlocked, Kelvin-sama. Please let me show you around.

When the gate swung open, the first thing that came into view was a garden graced with a fountain of clear, refreshing-looking water. Considering how spacious it was, the area seemed perfect for outdoor parties.

When we stepped into the building itself, we were greeted by a grand foyer. As it was my first time seeing such an impressive sight firsthand, I found myself feeling slightly overwhelmed.

In terms of layout, the first floor has a bath, a kitchen, a dining room, and eight empty rooms. The second floor, accessible through the grand staircase in the foyer, has seven empty rooms. There is also a storage basement.

Gerard sent me a can-you-actually-afford-a-place-like-this look, but the fact was, I did have the funds to buy it. Furthermore, there was a very particular reason I had taken an interest in this house.

I want to see the bath.

The two other properties that we’d viewed the last time around had been very nice too, but only homes of this size or larger could afford the luxury of installing a bath. Apparently, there were secret hot springs in Toraj, but what with training the Heroes and everything else that had happened, I’d never had a chance to visit them. Consequently, I was now seriously craving a bath.

As you wish. The bath in this mansion is spacious enough for several people to use it at once. I’m sure you will love it.

We were given a thorough tour of the place, after which we eventually ended up back in the lobby.

And that is the entirety of the house, the realtor concluded. How do you like it, Kelvin-sama?

I want to hear everyone’s opinions. What do you guys think?

The kitchen is quite wonderful. I am happy with this property, Master.

Of course Efil’s highest priority would be the kitchen. From what I saw, the one here is at least on par with the Fairy’s Song. I’m glad it meets her standards.

No objections from me, my king. I like that there is a big garden for me to train in.

If Gerard is going to be training there, then I suppose I should reinforce it. I do have an idea about the training space, though.

The farthest room on the right side is mine!

Forget expressing her approval or disapproval of the place, Sera’s already gone ahead and chosen her room! I guess I can take that as an approval...right?

I smiled wryly and turned towards the realtor. I guess that’s that. We’ll take it.

And with that, I secured myself a beautiful new home only three months after transmigrating to this world.

◇ ◇ ◇

Immediately after purchasing the house itself, our group headed off to buy all the things we would need for our new mansion. Gerard parted with us along the way, as it was supposedly time for his daily training. Efil and Sera chose the furniture, which I temporarily stored inside Clotho along with the other necessities we were picking up.

As we were currently inside the city, we had donned our Efil-made casual wear instead of our usual battle getup. Efil was wearing an unbelievably high-specced version of the white summer dress that she had chosen for our last date, while Sera had on a Chinese-style dress. I swear I didn’t force them to wear these because of my own preferences. I, Kelvin, do not lie.

We’ll definitely need this, Kelvin!

That’s the fifth time I’m hearing those words today. What would you even use a pendant from a souvenir store for?

During our shopping trip, I could not let down my guard for even a moment, as Sera would start badgering me to buy the most random things. The previous item had been a piano, of all things. We did indeed have plenty of money, but spending frivolously was not conducive to Sera’s education. I...think we’re still educating her, right? In any case, over-pampering her is not good. Nope, I’m not going to buy it for you even if you press those wonderful breasts of yours against my arm. I’m different from that doting father of yours!

But it looks so curious and unusual. What a waste...

Just about everything looks unusual to you! Be stricter about choosing what you actually do and don’t want.

Ugh, all right.

Sera’s personality was generally quite forceful, but for some reason, she would listen to what I said. I’m glad to have such an understanding Follower.

Master, should we perhaps purchase a few more sets of dinnerware in case we have to entertain guests?

That’s a good idea. Let’s go and check some out. Sera, feel free to pick out a set for yourself.

Leave it to me! It’ll be a piece of cake! she answered confidently with her hands on her hips, looking extremely happy.

I’m glad that her mood improves at the drop of a hat. Well, I guess I could consider getting her a piano one of these days. She does have the Performance skill at a pretty high rank, if I remember correctly. It would also serve as a nice piece of decor, so I suppose it wouldn’t be an entirely useless purchase.

Thanks to the recommended stores suggested by the realtor, we quickly proceeded to knock out everything on our list with an impressive smoothness. Of course, part of the credit also went to Efil for having written out the shopping list beforehand, and to Sera, for actually helping out properly during the second half of the trip. In short, we were all done by lunchtime.

So, we’ve got everything we want?

Yes, Master. We’ve acquired all of the essentials now. Clo-chan, thanks for carrying everything.

I nodded in agreement. We’re really glad for your help, Clotho. Without you, it would be a huge undertaking getting all the furniture inside.

Thanks to the convenience of Clotho’s Storage, we wouldn’t have to bother with the task of lugging furniture through the front door and up the stairs. After all, we could simply walk into the room where we wanted each item to be placed and ask Clotho to remove it then and there.

All that’s left to do is grab our luggage at the inn, then. It feels like we’ve been in Clare’s care for the longest time.

Let’s properly pay her our respects as new neighbors, too, added Efil. After all, our house and the Fairy’s Song are within walking distance of each other. Even after we settle down, let’s go visit her from time to time.

I’ve been thinking the same thing. Once we have everything sorted out, let’s host a party to celebrate the new home and invite her along with the others. I’ll be counting on you when the time comes.

Yes, Master! I will do my very best! After all, Clare was Efil’s mentor and master in the ways of cooking. I was already looking forward to the plump proprietress’s face when she took a bite of Efil’s food.

By the way, Kelvin, interjected Sera. Aren’t you going to hire servants?

Servants? We already have Efil, don’t we?

You plan on making Efil take care of a mansion that size all by herself? And she’s coming along with us when we go on subjugation quests and dive into dungeons too, right? What will become of the house then?

Oh, you have a point. Sorry, I haven’t actually thought that far ahead. To think that I would be chided by Sera of all people...but the concern she raises is valid. I’m in the wrong for assuming we would never have to worry about the housework as long as Efil was around.

If I work hard enough —

Sera shook her head. Efil, keep the self-sacrificing to a minimum, all right? When it comes to Kelvin, you really do have a tendency to lose sight of everything else. She shot a look at me and added, Though, admittedly, part of the reason for that is Kelvin himself is clueless about a lot of things.

Ugh, I don’t have anything to say in my defense!

I’m sorry, Efil, for almost having shoved such a heavy burden onto your shoulders. Sera, thank you for pointing it out.

I’m also sorry for having overestimated my own capabilities. Thank you for your consideration, Sera-san.

It’s all good! I’m quite obtuse when it comes to the world myself. It’s give and take! Sera nodded as if it really wasn’t anything of consequence.

Wow, now she looks like a reliable older sister. Yeah, I was completely in the wrong this time.

I’ll go post a recruitment notice at the guild, then. How many people do you want, Efil?

I believe two would be enough.

Gotcha. I’ll arrange for it.

If we’re getting more servants, does it mean I should officially install Efil as Head Maid? Guess I should give that a bit of thought as well. For now, let’s grab our stuff from the Fairy’s Song and say goodbye to Clare. Hopefully Uld will be there too.

◇ ◇ ◇

When we reached the Fairy’s Song, we found Gerard already there, digging enthusiastically into his lunch. The sight reminded us that we had yet to eat lunch ourselves. As for Uld...well, daylight was a precious resource for adventurers.

Ah, there you are, my king. That was rather fast.

Yeah, the shopping trip went smoothly. The only thing left is to retrieve our belongings.

Did I hear that right? You’ve already found a place, Kel-chan? asked Clare, poking her head out from behind the counter.

Mhm, we’ve gotten the key from the realtor. We’re thinking of finishing up the move today.

Today, huh? I’m very glad for you, but things sure are going to get lonely around here.

We may be moving, but our house is literally just a few minutes’ walk away. We’ll still drop by.

Clare laughed merrily. I’ll look forward to the visits! All right, this calls for a celebration! Efil-chan, I’ll be teaching you a special recipe. Come around to the kitchen with me!

I-Immediately!

In high spirits, both Clare and Efil disappeared into the back. Soon enough, the sounds of vegetables being chopped and pots boiling filled the room.

Oh, my, what a wonderful smell. Looks like lunch is going to be worth looking forward to, Sera muttered.

Anything made by Clare-san and Efil is always worth looking forward to, isn’t it? As for the rest of us, let’s take this opportunity to finish packing our things. Sera, I’m sorry, but can you take care of Efil’s stuff too?

Me? Why don’t you do it yourself? You two are sharing a room, aren’t you? I think you probably know better than me where she puts everything.

There are things like underwear and such, right? I’d appreciate it if you could do it, being a girl yourself.

I don’t think Efil would mind. Don’t you get to see her every night in her un—?!

I clapped a hand over Sera’s mouth in a panic. What the hell are you saying in public?! I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest!

I myself don’t have that much luggage. Want me to carry everything, my king?

We’ve got Clotho, so there’s no need. We can literally just stroll over with empty hands.

Oh, right, that is an option.

Mmmm! Mmmm! In other words, Kelvin! I get the message already, so let me go!

All right, all right, I said, removing my hand and stepping back. And since no one else is going to do it, I’m going to pat myself on the back for understanding what Sera’s muffled noises meant.

"Gosh! You didn’t have to get that embarrassed!"

You should be more conscious of this thing called ‘public image,’ especially in light of how conspicuous we’ve become nowadays. What are you going to do if unsavory rumors about us